General Characteristics of Solid State

Introduction to General Characteristics of Solid State

We know that matter generally exist in three states namely; solid, liquid and gas. When we change the physical conditions by altering the pressure and temperature of the surroundings, we find the states to change and transform from one form to another. The stability of a state depends upon two opposing factors, which are:

• Intermolecular Forces

• Thermal Energy

These two factors mainly decide the characteristics of a state and predict what the nature of a state would be in desired conditions. Adding further these two factors are also responsible for the formation and existence of solids.

Image 1: General Properties of Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Intermolecular Forces

The forces acting between constituent particles of matter within a solid are called intermolecular forces. The main role of intermolecular forces is to keep the particles of matter; it may be atoms, molecules or ions together and close to each other.

Image 2: NaCl or common salt remains in a solid state at low temperature, when we dissolve it in a certain solution the ions tend to dissociate.

Thermal Energy

Thermal Energy is defined as the energy possessed by the particles of matter due to their movement.Thermal energy increases with rising temperature and tends to move the particles faster. Unlike from intermolecular forces, thermal energy leans on moving the particles of matter far from each other.
 

Solid State at Molecular Level

Solid State is generally characterized by rigidity, mechanical strength, and incompressibility due to close packing of constituent particles of matter (atoms, molecules or ions). The atoms, molecules or ions are held together by strong forces of nature which adhere them to occupy fixed positions (called lattice sites) in the solid lattice.

At molecular level solid state is basically an arrangement of constituent particles of matter (atoms, molecules or ions) in a three-dimensional structure called lattice. The particles are not free to move inside the lattice.

When we alter physical conditions like pressure and temperature, the particles tend to change their arrangement and thus we find the change in solid state. The conclusion drawn is general characteristics of a solid widely depend on position and alteration of particles of constituent particles ( atoms, molecules or ions).
 

How formation of a solid takes place?

The formation of a solid occurs at low temperature and depends on two factors namely; Intermolecular forces and Thermal Energy. At low temperature the thermal energy is low and intermolecular forces are high, this aligns the particles of matter to remain stable and oscillate about their mean positions only. So, the particles of matter can’t escape the solid and keep on oscillating about their mean position. Hence formations of solids take place.

Image 3: Altering physical characteristics can change the shape of a solid

General Characteristics of Solid State

Solid state is determined by following characteristics. They are:

• Definite mass, volume, and shape

• Short Intermolecular distance

• Strong Intermolecular Forces

• The constituent particles remain fixed at their positions and can only oscillate about their mean positions

• Solids are incompressible and rigid

• High Density

Definite Mass, Volume, and Shape

Solids have definite mass, volume, and shape because the constituent particles of matter are held together by strong intermolecular forces. At low temperature the intermolecular force tends to dominate the thermal energy, the solids remain in the fixed state.

Example: Ice cube at low temperature remains in the solid state, but when we alter the physical conditions we find the ice to either melt or evaporate away.

Short Intermolecular Distance

The intermolecular distance between constituent particles of matter in a solid is short due to tight close packing. The atoms and molecules are held close together by strong intermolecular forces.

Example: The intermolecular distance of solid is typical of the order 0.3 × 10^-9 m.

Strong Intermolecular Forces

In solids the intermolecular forces are quite strong; this is because of the closeness of constituent particles of matter. The variation in intermolecular forces depicts why solids behave differently than liquids and gases.

The constituent particles remain fixed at their positions and can oscillate only about their mean positions

As formation and existence of solids are possible only at low temperatures, the intermolecular forces are high enough to keep the atoms and molecules in a solid fixed at their positions. Also, the thermal energy is quite less and can only make atoms and molecules oscillate at their positions.

Solids are incompressible and rigid

Image 5: The particles are tightly packed inside solid

Solids are rigid and incompressible in nature due to strong intermolecular forces acting on particles which keep them fixed on their positions.

Example: Wood, Metals etc. are all kinds of incompressible solids.

High Density

The mass of solid is greater than that of liquids and gases. Also, since solids have fixed volume, solids show high density

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General Characteristics of Solid State